India allows four Chinese firms into critical power tenders; Congress attacks move

India has allowed four Chinese power equipment manufacturers with production facilities in the country to participate in government tenders for critical power projects, according to a finance ministry order dated June 24.The exemption applies to TBEA Energy, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India and Taikai Electric (India).The order follows a request made by the power ministry in January seeking relaxation for companies with manufacturing units in India involved in critical power infrastructure projects, as reported by Reuters.The exemption will remain valid for two years from the date of issuance and, according to the order, should not be treated as a precedent for other companies.Relaxation comes as India expands power networkThe move comes as India speeds up the expansion of its electricity transmission network to meet rising power demand and support the rapid addition of renewable energy capacity, Reuters reported.Since the deadly border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh in 2020, New Delhi has required Chinese bidders to register with a government panel and obtain political as well as security clearances before participating in any government procurement process.In January, the government was examining broader relaxations for Chinese companies seeking to participate in public contracts as tensions along the India-China border showed signs of easing.Congress criticises moveThe reported exemption drew criticism from the Congress, with party general secretary Jairam Ramesh accusing the Centre of continuing what he called a "calibrated capitulation" to China.In a post on X, Ramesh alleged that the decision came despite continuing border disputes, a widening trade deficit with China and security concerns.He claimed that China's actions concerning Arunachal Pradesh, the Brahmaputra River and eastern Ladakh remained unchanged and referred to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash while criticising the government's China policy.The development comes even as India and China have continued diplomatic engagement. Last month, officials from both countries held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs in Beijing, where they reviewed the border situation and expressed satisfaction over efforts to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control.Get the latest business news and top stories. Download the TOI App.Ready to Make a Smarter Property Decision? Build Your Legacy with TOI Homes.